Los Angeles-based Dave’s Hot Chicken has entered a franchise agreement to open as many as 26 locations in the Houston and College Station markets, with the first being a Houston Inner Loop location in spring 2021, the company announced Dec. 15.

An exact location was not yet known as site selection was underway, a spokesperson said.

“We’re all very excited to break into such a large, diverse and promising market. From a cultural fit, Dave’s Hot Chicken is perfect for these areas,” said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, in a news release. "We can’t wait bring the heat to H-Town and College Station.”

Along with hot chicken tenders and sandwiches, each restaurant also serves housemade sides such as kale slaw, macaroni and cheese, and fries. Its chicken comes in multiple spice levels, from no spice to Reaper.

Launched as a parking lot pop-up concept by chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends in early 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its first brick-and-mortar in East Hollywood. The brand is now eyeing multiple national markets besides Houston, according to the release, with more than 240 units committed in the first year of franchising.